Every winter, when the lake becomes a silver mirror and the forest holds its breath, the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso is enveloped in an atmosphere that seems suspended in time. It is a place that does not simply open its doors: it welcomes, envelops, and protects those who arrive. This year, from December 20 to January 6, the Hermitage is preparing to experience a different kind of Christmas, made up of meaningful silences, warming music, and shared moments that become memories.
It begins on December 20, when the path leading down to the Hermitage is illuminated with a gentle anticipation. On that day, the “Nativity in Tremezzina” comes to life, an unusual nativity scene painted on wooden panels, which ideally unites two lakes: Lake Como, with the elegant profile of Villa del Balbianello, and Lake Maggiore, on whose rocks the Hermitage rests. It is a meeting of waters, stories, and communities. The fishermen walking towards the Holy Family seem to be moving, as if pushed by the lake wind. The work will remain on display until January 15, 2026, like a bridge of beauty between two territories.
On December 21, when the light fades early and the day seems more fragile, the walls of the Hermitage resonate: the Orchestra Canova performs Luce d’Inverno, a concert dedicated to the music of Handel. The notes rise from the nave and intertwine with the sound of the lake, transforming the afternoon into a sonorous embrace. From 3:30 p.m., the Hermitage opens free of charge to those attending the concert; shortly before, at 2:30 p.m., a guided tour allows visitors to discover secrets, frescoes, and views.
Then comes the most eagerly awaited night, that of December 24. At 10 p.m., Holy Mass celebrates the mystery of Christmas. Outside, the rocks seem to hold their breath; inside, the community comes together. And at the end, in the darkness illuminated by warm lights, everyone gathers at the Cascine del Quicchio farmhouses for mulled wine and panettone: a simple, free gesture that smells like home. A gift of sharing offered by Archeologistics.
Even on Christmas Day, the Hermitage remains open, faithful to its vocation as a refuge. At 5 p.m., a guided tour designed for those who love the outdoors and lightheartedness leads visitors through the rooms and frescoes. The 50-minute tour ends in time for 6 p.m. Mass, leaving participants with the feeling of having walked through ancient history.
The following days are an invitation to slow down. Guided tours continue on December 27, December 30 and 31, and then January 2, 3, and 4: small windows of time for those who want to discover what is often not seen at first glance.
And as the year draws to a close, the Hermitage offers a different way to say goodbye to the past and welcome the future: A Simple New Year’s Eve, now in its third edition. December 31 is divided into two parts: at 4:30 p.m., a guided tour with a toast at the Cascine del Quicchio; and at 7 p.m., a more intimate, private evening tour leading to dinner at the Locanda dell’Eremo. At 11 p.m., a toast that does not wait for midnight: the important thing is not when you celebrate, but in what spirit.
From December 20 to January 6, every day from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Hermitage remains open like a silent beacon. A place where visitors find not only events, but emotions: the tranquility of the lake, the path to the rock, the light filtering through the arches, the discreet sense of being part of something bigger.
Because at the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, Christmas is not an event: it is an experience.
All information at:
https://www.archeologistics.it/servizi-educativi/natale-alleremo-660.html
From Sunday, December 20, until January 6, the Hermitage is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
